2004 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Consumer Reviews

Pocket Rocket

Written by: gajeffo on 01/06/2007

Vehicle

2004 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML500 AWD 4dr SUV (5.0L 8cyl 5A)

Review

Well I'm still OK with this car. Just put new tires on it, Toyo Proxys, and it seems to have gotten rid of the road noise. The Dunlops stink! They just seem to be way too soft and as they got some age on them the ride was terrible, bouncing and swaying everywhere. This car has had zero problems mechanically and the dealership replaced the 2 back side panels as the clearcoat was coming off. (each side of the rear glass) I still think that for the money Mercedes could put a little more into this vehicle. ie: lumbar, power tilt and telescopic wheel. But go see if your Lexus can move like this!

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

Lumbar, power tilt and telescopic wheel

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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MB Experience

Written by: PittsburghMB on 11/04/2006

Vehicle

2004 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML350 AWD 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I have owned this ML350 for over 3 years. I have had no problems and the car has been fun to drive. The cargo space is great. I would recomend the ML if you are in the SUV market.

Favorite Features

Acceleration, good driving view, safe vehicle

Suggested Improvements

Cup holders could be better.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Safe, Incredible in Snow, Low MPG

Written by: Dave on 09/17/2005

Vehicle

2004 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML350 AWD 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Wonderful SUV. Built like a tank. 4-wheel drive is insane: went up in the mountains last new year, did not use snow chains because did not need to! I did not even know I was driving in snow, the truck is so stable! Watched other drivers in luxury SUVs struggling in snow as I was simply cruising along. Problems: no audio controls on the steering wheel (which was addressed in 2006 model), steering wheel is not telescopic like BMW X5, MPG is really 11-12MPG, even in V6. Cassette is hidden inside the entertainment unit which makes it hard to connect IPOD via a cassette adopter. CD-changer should be in front not in the trunk.

Favorite Features

Tough build, firm but comfortable ride, all-wheel-drive is incredible, feel very safe inside, Bose stereo is ok, not as good as Infiniti but ok.

Suggested Improvements

Audio controls on the wheel, steering wheel - telescopic, cassette - open design CD-changer - in dash Ipod input, better MPG

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Noise from SUV is Loud and not Smooth

Written by: campbell on 01/14/2005

Vehicle

2004 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML500 AWD 4dr SUV (5.0L 8cyl 5A)

Review

This SUV is designed and built like you might expect from Mercedes, but the one I own sounds loud and isn't smooth because of a "wobble" sound in rear that Mercedes can identify and correct. I will try again to get this problem resolved soon. The warranty Mercedes service center said the warranty expired for tires balance and alignment. I have only 14,600 miles (about the time for an oil change in Mercedes); don't get fooled by the 4 year general warranty; service will come out of your pocket for things you do not expect after paying the sticker price. They should correct the mechanical or tire sound coming from the rear of the SUV, but they are asking me to pay for it...last MB for me.

Favorite Features

Navigation, seating, design, safety, automatic one touch windows.

Suggested Improvements

Tires, smoother gas pedal, automatic rear door.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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No Regrets

Written by: noregret on 12/22/2004

Vehicle

2004 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML350 AWD 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Bought this SUV somewhat worried about quality but it has been terrific. It is a joy to ride and I and peace of mind with my family in it. We have driven it on snow, ice, freeway, mountain roads, towed waverunners and it passes with flying colors!

Favorite Features

Handling, safety features, all- weather capability

Suggested Improvements

better 3rd row design, the equivalent of seat warmer for the steering wheel (BMWs have this), In-dash 6-disk CD Changer

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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DO NOT BUY THIS VEHICLE!

Written by: JP122 on 10/23/2004

Vehicle

2004 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML350 AWD 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Absolutly without equal the biggest piece of junk I ever owned in my life. Was in the shop at least once a month. Mercedes service stinks. Couldn't figure out the electrical problems after numerous visits. Problem solved, traded in on a Lexus RX330 and there is no comparison between these 2 vehicles.

Favorite Features

None

Suggested Improvements

Stop production of this lemon.

1 out 3 people found this review helpful

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I love my car

Written by: deejared on 07/30/2004

Vehicle

2004 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML350 AWD 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I love my car. I had driven the ML several years ago and did not like they way it drove,the changes made to the suspension make this car wonderful to drive. I will definetly purchase a new ML when the 2006 comes out.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

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ML has a heavy and sticky gas pedal.

Written by: JBear on 07/28/2004

Vehicle

2004 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML350 AWD 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 5A)

Review

One very annoying problem that is mentioned by many ML owners is the heavy and sticky feel of the gas pedal. It makes it difficult and uncomfortable to drive smoothly. MB service just says "that's the way it is" there's no fix. That is unfortunate because there is a lot to like about the ML and this problem is something that you experience every single time you drive. MB engineers need to drive a BMW and experience the silky smooth progression of the BMW throttle.

Favorite Features

Interior comfort. Strong motor.

Suggested Improvements

Fix the lousy gas pedal operation. Make the A/C start blowing air quicker. Put the radio volume nearer the drive, it's a distracting reach to get to it.

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Nice but smaller to the liking

Written by: Bobby-Jo on 07/15/2004

Vehicle

2004 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML500 AWD 4dr SUV (5.0L 8cyl 5A)

Review

This midsize SUV is very nice and classy. This is a great choice if you have a family of four or less. That is my only complaint. I believe you should have eight seats built-in, not an optional third-row because then that last row takes away from your cargo space.

Favorite Features

The heated seats are a great feature!

Suggested Improvements

It would be nice if this 500L model could seat 7 or 8. There are a lot of bigger families and people who want spacious cars.

0 out 4 people found this review helpful

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First M Class

Written by: Emory on 06/20/2004

Vehicle

2004 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML350 AWD 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 5A)

Review

First Luxury SUV purchase. Benz was chosen primarliy because of safety features, 4 year initial service (included) (i.e. oil changes), and tele- aid communication system (simliar to OnStar). Vehicle also has good towing capability, and lots of room on the inside.

Favorite Features

Tel-Aid system (similar to On-Star, Lots of interior room, good warranty and service agreement (after the sale), re-sale value, good power and quite ride, Lots or airbags (auto tele-aid alert with airbag deployment)

Suggested Improvements

MPG is below average, Volume controls on radio are cumbersome, power memory seats do not adjust with ignition remote control, Cruise control can be confused with the turn signals (takes getting used too), Larger glove box storage, etc. (where do you keep the owner's manual?)

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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